Floor drain assembly system and method of forming the same

Abstract

Flooring and drain assemblies are provided. The assemblies provide a plurality of panels or flooring members for surrounding and directing fluid toward a drain body. Assemblies include a drain body may be secured to or in fluid communication with additional plumbing features, and layers or features for connecting the assembly. The drain body is connected to at least one the flooring members in various ways to promote proper floor drainage.

Description

[0001]This U.S. Non-Provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 973,377, filed Apr. 1, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to the field of flooring. Specifically, various embodiments of the assemblies disclosed herein relate to a unique tapered floor and drain assembly.BACKGROUND[0003]Prior art modular building structures, specifically modular bathrooms such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,596,021 to Van Ravenhorst, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, provide a flooring system referred to as the “Unifloor” system, and which is described as a composite construction (laminated fiberglass reinforced plastic) floor which can embody a simulated tile pattern, serves as the finished floor of the bathroom. In upscale environments such as high end commercial buildings and hotels, simulated f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a new tapered floor and drain assembly that is more efficient, organized, and versatile than prior art systems. This modular system has many novel features, such as lightweight honeycomb flooring lower sub-panels and bisected honeycomb upper subpanels that allow for precision tapering of the floor towards the drain component as well superior structural support while reducing the overall weight of the floor. Additionally, the drain bodies are circular drain members that can be rotated even when in a cutout of the subfloor panel or other flooring components, facilitating the insertion and / or threading of the drain body with additional plumbing fixtures or features. The use of a water proof membrane ensures that any water introduced into the environment will be collected and guided to the drain unit without causing damage to the main floor system components.

Problems solved by technology

In upscale environments such as high end commercial buildings and hotels, simulated finishes are not desirable.

Besides the well-known limitations of plywood as a moisture barrier, the moisture retention properties of plywood and resulting mold or mildew issues that can occur make plywood a less than desirable choice for flooring solutions in an environment that may be exposed to water.

The use of plywood also results in increased weight to the bathroom module unit which increases shipping cost of the units.

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